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Update: Markov out, Reality of Ryan/Iginla moving... |
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I tried to hold out on writing this blog until we got full confirmation that Andrei Markov will be back for tonight's game. Instead we'll have to go on some real solid speculation by two of the most reliable sources in Montreal. Luc Gelinas and Renaud Lavoie of RDS have both made bold predictions that Markov will be a part of Montreal's lineup in Anaheim.
We haven't received any notice of Frederic St. Denis' demotion as of yet, so forgive me for being slightly skeptical that tonight's the night. But really, that's just a formality once the decision's made.
Despite my skepticism, I trust Luc and Renaud implicitly.
On the presumption that Markov's playing, let's go over what should be his greatest influence on the team's success; the powerplay.
Sheldon Souray, Mark Streit, Mathieu Schneider and Marc-Andre Bergeron all had the benefit of playing alongside Markov.
The common thread between them is that they are all left-hand shots.
The bombs on the Canadiens' points come from two right-hand shots, and both players (Subban and Weber) play the left side, where Markov is accustomed to lining up.
Here's another factor:
A big reason why Souray, Streit and Schneider had so much success with Markov was because another potent one-timer threat was on that right side as well-- Alex Kovalev.
Bergeron had the same benefit, with Mike Cammalleri there.
But flip the picture, with Gionta as the only right-hand shot up front, this could mean that Weber and Subban won't enjoy as much success as their predecessors, with Markov operating from the right point.
Another option, that seems less desirable given how it's gone so far, would be to keep Plekanec on the point with Markov. Have Markov on the left, Plekanec on the right and Cammalleri on the right.
Allow the other unit to have Subban, Weber, Pacioretty, Gionta and Eller or Desharnais. Move everything to the right side of the ice, as they'd move everything to the left on the top unit.
Just food for thought...
**Also, according to various reports that came out while I was writing this, Andrei Markov didn't participate in the morning skate and is doubtful for tonight (It would seem it's out of the question, according to Renaud Lavoie, who just reported this from Anaheim)
It's anticipated that Louis Leblanc will play with Lars Eller and Travis Moen, and it would seem Yannick Weber will be a healthy scratch.
And Peter Budaj gets the start.
***********
Rumors--
To start with, the notion that Jarome Iginla suddenly woke up and realized the Cup's not coming to Calgary any time soon is beyond laughable.
He's lived this reality since 2004--when they shocked the league by acceding to within one game of winning the Stanley Cup from the 8th seed, in the West.
If things have finally come to a head for Iginla in Calgary, it'll be because he's willing to accept moving to a team that affords him the opportunity to win a Stanley Cup.
That said, it doesn't mean he'd have to win it this year. He's 34, and under contract for this season, and next season.
If it doesn't work out wherever he moves, he can sign as a 36-year old free agent with the team of his choice.
Who wouldn't want the guy?
If he's moving this season, I refuse to believe the day's coming in early December.
I can appreciate that a suitor might want to get him incorporated into the team as quickly as possible, with enough time to have everything gel.
But, generally, players of Iginla's ilk move when the trader can get the highest value. And right now, the value for Iginla isn't high enough for Feaster to seriously consider it.
That's why he's firmly told Elliotte Friedman of the CBC that Iginla's not on the table. "Part of the solution, not the problem," as Elliotte put it on the Hockey Night in Canada hotstove last week.
As for Bobby Ryan--
Take a look at Anaheim's cap situation.
Expiring contracts for Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu, Jason Blake, Nik Hagman, Francois Beauchemin, Kurtis Foster, Sheldon Brookbank, Dan Ellis and George Parros.
Not to mention, that they still have nearly $4 mil in cap space for this season.
Despite the murky ownership situation and the team's current standing, is there really a need to lose any one of Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf or Bobby Ryan?
If you're going to pick one of the three, of course it'll be Ryan.
But the Ducks can rebuild most their roster without losing Perry, Getzlaf, Ryan or Hiller. They can remain competitive with those players. And what's to stop them from shipping Selanne somewhere he'd be willing to go to play out the final two months of his career with a chance to win a Cup, in exchange for another 1st round pick?
Selanne's definitely worth that to a contender, and it could be a high pick if that contender trades an asset to obtain a higher pick to deal for Selanne.
With the way things are going in Anaheim, this makes much more sense than moving Bobby Ryan while he's not playing well.
And if the plan is to move Ryan, and teams want him right now, the price will be enormous!
Chances are, it'll be just as big at the deadline, but maybe it gets a bit cheaper with less time to go and his season continuing along the path it's on right now.
More food for thought....
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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